How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Outside, fireworks blossomed against the inky night sky. Elodie glanced up, watching the bursts of color fade before turning to see Rosemary and Emile nearby, capturing the moment on video.

She could feel the old woman's concern for her, warm and genuine.

If it weren't for her grandmother shielding her these past years, life in the Silverstein family would have been even harder.

"Grandma, we didn't argue," Elodie said softly. "You know how it is—Jarrod and I hardly ever fight."

Most of their issues simmered in silence.

After all, arguments require some spark of feeling. But all Jarrod had for her was cold indifference, maybe even contempt.

For a moment, her grandmother was at a loss for words.

She understood. Even the closest couples have their share of squabbles— especially after years of marriage. Weren't Jarrod and Elodie supposed to be the most important people in each other's lives by now?

Yet the way they lived... it was as if they were strangers, bound together only by obligation.

Elodie had tried everything to warm the ice between them, but nothing seemed to work.

Jarrod simply didn't care.

He treated her like a business associate polite, detached, and never personal.

Her grandmother seemed at a loss, finally letting out a sigh. "You're right. Your grandfather and the others are getting on in years. You should spend time with them-it's no big deal as long as you two didn't fight. Still, I'll have another talk with that stubborn boy. Don't worry, darling, I won't let him take you for granted!"

Elodie knew how much her grandmother worried over her marriage.

After a long pause, she finally replied, gently, "Grandma, it's all right. There's no need."

They were already divorced-there was no point in fixing what was broken.

hopeless. Maybe, with this

something unspoken in Elodie's words. She sounded confused but finally relented, "All right... Just enjoy your time with your family,

"I will."

the call, Elodie

few treats for her grandparents. Her

the hotel

a simple batch

baking, her phone chimed

checked her messages-it was

coming back? Mom said you're not making desserts this

I have

are you?

I'll call you 'sis-in-law' for once. Just don't tell Sylvie, okay? Now will you come home and

Elodie's expression didn't change.

ever spoke to her when she wanted something, and her tone was always

those years when Lucinda was obsessed with her antiques investments and always traveling, she'd

Octavia had

time when Octavia had clung to

once Sylvie appeared, Octavia became dismissive and openly

was childish vanity or plain rebellion, Elodie saw no reason to keep indulging her—especially after all the times Octavia

Octavia's chat, and

locked her phone

up with three boxes

Freya, asking her to come downstairs

though

was delighted and spent a good while chatting about drones before heading back, satisfied with

countdown on TV with Rosemary and the others, then returned

received a message

Can't even go out on New Year's without seeing something